The bathroom is one of the workhorses of the home. A bathroom is designed for function, gets a lot of use and has higher likelihoods of damage due to water and mold. Besides being a utilitarian room by design, it must also provide the dual function of being relaxing as well. Finding the balance between practical and beautiful is a challenge that is well worth the reward when designing a bathroom.

What do I need to consider in a bathroom remodel?

Like a kitchen, a bathroom remodel may require a professional. Plan your bathroom by exploring a lot of different bathroom layouts and styles. Build a list of your favorite bathroom ideas or a list for your favorite bathroom materials. Ideas to consider are things like tile or stone flooring, backsplashes or shower surrounds, making sure to note performance and durability. You'll want to decide the kind of additional features you may want in a bathroom as well. Water-saving toilets, rain showers, dual sinks and other special features will likely affect the cost of the bathroom. Take a look at our guide to 10 Ways to Easily Transform Your Bathroom

What to consider when choosing a bathroom vanity?

Another key piece of the bathroom is the vanity. Out-of-the-box bathroom vanities are available online and at many home improvement stores and will be the most affordable option. However, for a more custom look, you can piece together a bathroom vanity with cabinetry topped with a material of your choice and a sink. When looking at bathroom vanities, storage will likely be a key part of the decision. Take a look at our guide on How to Pick a Bathroom Vanity for more tips or search our library of bathroom vanities to get some design ideas for your next bathroom remodel.

What type of lighting is good for a bathroom?

Bathroom lighting is especially important as there is rarely enough natural light to properly illuminate the space of a bathroom. There are many ways to light a bathroom including task lighting, vanity lighting, shower lighting, as well as fancier options such as bathroom chandeliers, pendants, or even specialized mood lighting to fill in the space. These options can seem overwhelming at first, but you can narrow down your options by taking a look at your bathroom. Do you have a claw foot tub? Does your shower have glass doors? Maybe try some vintage style lighting such as a bathroom chandelier. Do you have a sleek frameless shower? Modern recessed canned lighting with a dimmer switch might be more your style. To learn more take a look at our guide to Choosing the Best Bathroom Lighting.